Since 2011, ARGUS Software has hosted the competitive challenge for university students from around the world aspiring to be commercial real estate professionals. Through this challenge, students create real-world investment strategies through informed decisions using ARGUS Software solutions. The theme of the case this year was Pokémon GO! A panel of judges from the academic community and real estate industry participated in reviewing the case studies and nominating the winners.

More than 30 top real estate programs from universities worldwide participated in the competition. The University of San Diego won 1st place, Cornell University placed 2nd, LSU took 3rd, and UCLA earned an honorable mention.

The team from LSU—Garrett Choate, Whitney Gaulter, Matt Hingle, Tyler Tamboli, Sophie Weber, Jason Wyman, and Cassius Dsouza—was coached by Stirling Properties Vice President of Finance, Justin Landry. Landry serves as an adjunct professor teaching Finance 7720 (Commercial Real Estate Investing). This is the 6th year he has taught the course and the 6th year an LSU team has competed in the ARGUS Challenge. It also marks the 2nd time placing under Landry’s leadership.

“This is the second consecutive year that we have secured a 3rd place finish in this competition, so it is no longer beginners luck! This win will certainly garner larger attention around the nation for LSU real estate programs and for students who seek a career in the industry. I am very proud of this team for their accomplishments—they have really worked hard,” said Landry.

LSU’s team secured $3,000 for the university through ARGUS Software. In addition, the students were bestowed the 2017 ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) Maurin-Ogden Foundation LSU Scholarship Award, funded by Jimmy Maurin and Roger Ogden, founders of Stirling Properties. Through the scholarship, students will receive all-expense-paid attendance to the ICSC RECon in Las Vegas, the world’s largest retail real estate convention. Each year Stirling Properties hosts LSU Award Recipients at the conference, offering the students valuable exposure to industry leaders and potential employers.

“We truly thank Stirling Properties’ founders, Jimmy Maurin and Roger Ogden for their generosity and unwavering commitment to LSU, real estate, and education. This is an invaluable opportunity for these students to meet and network with industry leaders. Many of our students in the past have garnered great job prospects through this experience,” said Landry.

For more information about Finance 7720 (Commercial Real Estate Investing) and its objectives, contact Justin Landry at jclandry@stirlingprop.com.

Stirling Properties is located at 109 Northpark Blvd., Suite 300 in Covington, Louisiana. For more information regarding our services, please visit us at www.stirlingproperties.com.